New and old standards: Common Core vs. Sunshine State
The Common Core State Standards contain fewer individual subject-matter requirements for students. They emphasize applying students’ knowledge. Here’s a sampling of the new Common Core standards and the outgoing Sunshine State standards.
Third-Grade Writing:
Common Core (new): With guidance and support from adults, use technology to produce and publish writing (using keyboard skills) as well as to interact and collaborate with others.
Sunshine State (old): The student will write a final product for the intended audience.
Sixth-Grade Math:
Common Core: Distinguish comparisons of absolute value from statements about order. For example, recognize that an account balance less than -$30 represents a debt greater than $30.
Sunshine State: Use and justify the rules for adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing and finding the absolute value of integers. (Note: Absolute value is not mentioned until seventh grade.)
Seventh-Grade Reading:
Common Core: Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient to support the claims.
Sunshine State: The student uses a variety of strategies to
